1 Nov 2013 - As a follow up to the Rio+20 Conference, the Division for Sustainable Development (DSD) organized a workshop and Expert Group Meeting to improve countries’ capacities to integrate sustainable development into their national development strategies. The event took place from 9 to 11 October in New York.

One of the main challenges that countries continue to face in realizing sustainable development is that of integrating its economic, social and environmental dimensions into national institutions, planning and programming. Too often policies and programmes remain fragmented into sectors. Countries need support in linking the three dimensions of sustainable development on the national level.

The event therefore brought together more than 80 participants, including government representatives, national and international experts, Major Groups and United Nations system representatives, to discuss how to build capacity in developing countries that advances the implementation of sustainable development and improves the integration of its three dimensions. The workshop also addressed issues such as multi-stakeholder engagement, reporting on national goals and targets, and learning and knowledge sharing.

The main results of the meeting include a consensus to launch a learning network that will provide tools, case evidence and best practice for the integration of sustainable development into national strategies. The network will also be used to share new ideas and innovations and will be supported by the three DSD overseas offices in the Republic of Korea (UNOSD), Japan (UNCRD) and Spain (“Water for Life” Decade’s Office). DSD will provide updates on the intergovernmental process through the learning network, so that these can be shared and promoted at the national level.

It was also decided that a number of pilot countries will be given support in integrating sustainable development into national development planning. More information on the workshop and expert group meeting can be found on the Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform.